I am a proud Canadian living south of the border in Cancun, Mexico. I left the snow behind for the sand, and am learning to love my new life!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

World Cup 2010 ... NOT looking good for Mexico

Well, I am not sure how many of you follow soccer as religiously as I do.... Unlike life in Canada, Soccer/Futbol is like a religion in Mexico. I have heard that every town/city in Mexico had 2 things - a Church, and a soccer field!!

That being said - World Cup 2010 is around the corner, and qualifying has been going on for the past 3 years. Things are not looking good for good ol' Mexico. Currently, we are sitting in 4th place in our group, only the top 2 in each group advance. At this point, the 1st (Costa Rica), and 2nd (USA) would both have to lose 1 or more games each, and Mexico would have to go undefeated for the rest of the qualifying....

The last time Mexico did not make the World Cup was in 1974.... In 1990 they were disqualified for using players over the age limit allowed in Seoul '88 for the Olympics. **Quick fact** This penalty was applied to ALL Mexican national representatives of all sports for 2 years.

Just to give you an idea, here are some quick facts about the FIFA World Cup:

-Int'l football competition contested by men's national teams

-Occurs every 4 year since 1930

-Current format involves 32 teams

-Games are held in one host nation, usually switching continents every 4 years

-Most widely viewed sporting event in the world

- 715.1 million watching the 2006 final (take that American Idol!!)

- South Africa is hosting 2010 from June 11-July 11

- Brazil is hosting 2014

Okay, well all this being said - I forgot the most important... PRAYER!!! Pray for Mexico's national team - it may be their only hope!!!

Leslie - Not only do we have opinions on how they should improve, but also who they play!! I too, root for Mexico, but it will take a miracle at this point for them to make it! The only time I don't chear for Mexico is when they play Croatia (I'm Croation!) ...hardly ever happens!! Phhheewph!

AMIM - So it's confirmed!!! Futbol fields and churches!! LOL!! The good thing about Futbol is that it's not as expensive as other sports! Heck, you almost don't even need grass to play it!!

Paul - Couldn't agree with you more. Individually the line up looks great... Hubby thinks the players coming from their Premier teams are a tad cocky.... Thus, not contributing to the team! (unintentially of course). Maybe the new leadership will change things?? Here's hoping!!!

Rosas Clan - Mindy, get those kids some cleats and maybe you'll have the next 2 stars??!!! The womans' team is GREAT! The men's needs some fresh new faces, LOL!!!!